The Late P.J. O'Loughlin The death took place in University College Hospital Galway, after a short illness, of Paddy (P.J.) O' Loughlin of Kinvara. The large attendances on both days of the funeral bore testament to the esteem in which he was held and to his huge popularity. P.J. (Paddy), with his father (Colie) and mother (Mary), came to live in Kinvara from Mountcarron, Co. Clare in the late 1940s. Both he and his father were herdsmen on the extensive Bruton winterages in the Burren Mts. Little wonder, that from his interest in cattle, that he spent his years as a veterinary clerk until his retirement. P.J. was a very spiritual man and had great respect for local clergy. He was particularly noted for his passion for politics, in particular, his devotion to the Fine Gael Party. For over fifty years he was active as party organiser; as an official and in canvassing at election time. He was a life-long friend, partner and advisor of Toddie Byrne during his political career. P.J. had an encyclopedic knowledge of national election results from the foundation of the state and regularly attended County Council meetings, becoming so popular with members of all parties that he was known as the 31st Councillor. At local level, his friendship with the late Jimmy Conole (Fianna Fail) and Paddy Geraghty (Democratic Left) showed his broadmindness. That was also reflected in his personal handling of problems for people, irrespective of politics. P.J.'s other great passion was the GAA. He was not long living in Kinvara, until through his association with the late Joe Muldoon, he became club Secretary. He regularly cycled around the parish delivering notices of meetings. He was a regular attender at County Board GAA Annual Conventions. In fact, the last one he attended in 2001 was his 50th without a break. Some years ago, the local GAA club elected him as Honourary President in recognition of his service. P.J. also helped out in many community efforts, and was a regular collector at church gates for different charitable causes. He was the last surviving member of the First Guild of Muintir na Tire set up in the early 50s. He continued his association with that organisation for many years, and afterwards, when it became known as the Community Council. P.J. cherished the friendship of his many friends. His neighbours were extremely helpful and caring to him, particularly over the past three years, when he was confined mostly to his home. He is survived by many cousins, especially Mary and Noel MacMahon of Rannagh, Carron, Co. Clare. Fr Frank Larkin, P.P. Kinvara celebrated the Requiem Mass, assisted by Fr Enda Glynn P.P., New Quay/Carron and Fr. Michael Mulkerrins P.P., Renmore. Deputy Paul Connaughton gave a fitting oration covering many aspects of his life. Members of the local GAA club and of the Fine Gael Party, along with other people who appreciated him, gave him a guard of honour. Attendances at both days included Deputies Paul Connaughton and Padraig McCormack, ex Deputy John Donnellan, Senator Ulick Burke, Councillors Jimmy McClearn, Pat Sullivan, Michael Cunningham, Fintan Coogan, John Mulholland, Michael Fahy, Tom Costello, Pat Hynes, Martin Lafferty, Christy Curtin, Michael Mullins and Sean Tully; also Padraic Conneely of the Fine Gael National Executive. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Deputy John Bruton and ex Deputy Brigid Hogan-O'Higgins tendered their sympathies and regretted, that owing to prior engagements was unable to be present. Frank Burke, Chairman County Board GAA and Phelim Murphy, Secretary County Hurling Board also attended. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune September 26th 2003 Tweet

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